New power outfit seeks tariff hike

RUDRA BISWAS

Pocket pinch

Ranchi, July 30: Jharkhand Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd, the electricity distribution wing of newly formed Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (JUVNL), has proposed a power tariff hike for all categories of consumers in its command areas spread across 14 out of Jharkhand’s 24 districts.

The proposal, which was submitted to Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) on Monday, has sought a nominal increase in electricity charges. It says that the power tariff in Jharkhand is amongst the lowest in the country and “hence, an upward revision is required for bridging the revenue gap”.

The hike, if approved by JSERC, will be the first under JUVNL, the holding company that was created after unbundling of Jharkhand State Electricity Board early this year. Consumers in JUVNL-serviced areas will not feel the pinch before mid-September as the regulatory body will need to conduct public hearings first.

The hike proposal includes:

nFixed charges be raised from Rs 40 to Rs 60 and energy rates from Rs 2.40 per unit to Rs 3.05 per unit for households consuming below 200 units per month

nFor consumption above 200 units and till 500 units, fixed charges should go up from Rs 60 to Rs 75 a month and the tariff be increased from Rs 2.90 to Rs 3.50 per unit

nA new clause says that power consumption above 500 units per month will attract a fixed charge of Rs 100 per month and a tariff of Rs 3.75 per unit

nFor shops, hotels and other commercial establishments consuming below 2 kilo watt of power per month, energy rates have been proposed to be hiked from Rs 1.75 per unit to Rs 2.05. Fixed charges shall be raised from Rs 30 to Rs 45 per month

nAbove 2 kilo watt consumption, fixed charges may be raised from Rs 175 to Rs 205 per month and energy rates from Rs 5.25 to Rs 5.50 per unit

nFor industries, the suggested hike is Rs 285 from Rs 235 per month with a corresponding increase in energy rates from Rs 5.40 to Rs 5.95 per unit

“We are examining the tariff proposal submitted to us. We have also sought certain clarifications and additional information. After August 15, we shall begin the process of conducting public hearings in at least five different cities falling under the command area of JUVNL. We hope to announce the new tariff rates latest by September 15 after taking into account suggestions from all sections of the society,’ said T. Muni Krishniah, member (engineering), JSERC told The Telegraph.

Krishniah added that they had already completed conducting public hearings on tariff proposals submitted by Damodar Valley Corporation and Steel Authority of India.

“We hope to finalise the rates for the two power generating companies by August 15. Between August 15 and September 15, everything, including conducting public hearings, will be completed,” he added.